ABOUT US
Supporting the development of dance in BC.
Our goal is to support the development of a vibrant dance scene in BC and increase the profile of dance, by providing resources and services for dance professionals; presenting public performances and events; operating Scotiabank Dance Centre, one of Canada’s flagship dance facilities; and promoting BC dance.
We are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It is an honour and a privilege for us to be guests in their lands. We are grateful.
The Dance Centre provides support, information and resources to professional dance companies and individual artists, including news and opportunities regarding funding, jobs, auditions, training and other opportunities. Dance Centre members can apply to participate in programs and residencies, receive invitations to info sessions and networking events, apply for subsidies on studio rentals, and receive consultations with experienced staff.
The Dance Centre presents public performances and events year-round, ranging from the Global Dance Connections series featuring cutting edge contemporary dance from around the world, to the Discover Dance! series which highlights the diversity of BC dance. Community programs include the annual Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House and International Dance Day, and free studio showings and events run throughout the season.
For over two decades The Dance Centre spearheaded the drive to create a home for BC’s dance community. Our building, Scotiabank Dance Centre, opened in 2001 on a site provided by its title sponsor. It has become a hub for dance activity, housing rehearsals, classes, workshops, performances and events, and generating an estimated 85,000+ visits annually.
The Dance Centre is the primary source for information about dance in BC. We offer information about hundreds of performances, companies and organizations through our website and the online BC Dance Directory. We promote BC dance internationally, through our biennial West Coast dance platform Dance In Vancouver, and help connect our local dance scene to national and international partners through projects and exchanges.